Information Technology Services News

Information Technology Services Newsletter

Fall 2009

ITS welcomes Richard Brown to the team

Please join us in welcoming to Samuel Merritt University Richard Brown, the newest member of the Information Technology Services Team. Richard has worked in his current role of Applications Systems Analyst for over six months as a contractor and is now a regular member of the staff.

Richard brings to the University a wealth of experience in business systems analysis, systems development life cycle management, project management, and database administration. Thus far Richard has made a significant impact in supporting operations of business systems, planning and implementing upgrades to database management systems, developing more stable solutions for student loan auditing and reporting, and other important projects.

Richard, we are glad to have you on board!

MS Office 2007 Upgrade

Through the remainder the 2009 calendar year, the Information Technology Services Department will endeavor to upgrade the Microsoft Office application suite from version 2003 to version 2007 on every University-owned PC. The Office Suite includes commonly used software programs including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Why should we upgrade to Office 2007?

• We will adhere to the University’s commitment to technology innovation in the classroom
• The new version contains added features and improved usability
• The new version contains fixes to many known bugs and defects that exist in the 2003 release
• In the future, Microsoft will discontinue its support of older software products, leaving fewer options for training and technical assistance
• The 2007 release offers optimal compatibility with our messaging and online collaboration environments.

The greatest challenge with this community-wide upgrade will be preparing people for the change. As the new versions of these most familiar applications are (in some cases) profoundly different than the 2003 versions, ITS is engaging in exhaustive compatibility studies and training efforts in order to ensure that the transition is executed with minimal loss of user productivity.

As we move closer to the summer months, more detailed information will be made available to the community. We welcome any comments or concerns related to this project.

MS Office Training Courses

Through the sponsorship of the Technology Committee, Samuel Merritt University is offering a series of instructor-based training classes on Microsoft Office computer software applications. These classes are available to all SMU faculty and staff members at no cost.

Register Online Now! Seats are limited.

The Spring 2009 series focuses on the Office 2003 Suite for Windows. Additional training opportunities on the 2007 Suite will be made available as we move closer to upgrading to that version of MS Office.

Information Technology Services Newsletter

Fall 2008

Wireless Network Upgrade Status Update!

The Samuel Merritt University Network Services Team has been working on the installation and configuration of the new wireless network. While this upgrade is not yet complete we would like to keep you informed of our progress to date. The new wireless network is currently up and running in the Graziano Library, Bechtel Hall and all Learning Centers. Wireless users in these buildings will notice a new wireless network name (or SSID) of “SMU-WiFI”. Wireless users who see this network name broadcasting can select it and be automatically connected.

SSID’s For Learning Centers:
SFO-WiFI – St. Luke’s Campus
SAN-WiFI – San Mateo Campus
SAC-WiFI – Sacramento Campus
SFOs-WiFI – St. Mary’s Campus

The Wireless Upgrade will be completed in the following phases:

PHASE I:

The first phase of the wireless upgrade project is to upgrade the older, less functional wireless components that exist on the network today. This will provide several benefits: it will provide for consistent feature-availability network-wide; increase the maximum communication speed from 11 to 54 Mbs; replace the old 802.11 b capable units with tri-mode 802.11 a/b/g technology; provide a higher density of wireless access points to improve coverage; add enhanced authentication methods; provide for improved security.

PHASE II:

The second phase is to expand coverage to campus locations that have not been provided wireless coverage in the past:

FAQ’s

Who can access the SMU wireless network? Here are the individuals who can access to the wireless network:

Faculty and Staff:

All current college faculty and staff.

Current Students:

Students must be enrolled in the current term and have a valid SMU username and password.

College Guests:

Individuals may request a guest account by contacting the Helpdesk at 510-869-6836.

Where do I report problems and get help?

Problems related to the wireless network should be reported to the Helpdesk at 510-869-6836, or via service request. (https://request.samuelmerritt.edu/helpdesk)

Where is the new wireless access available?

Wireless access is currently available in many of the common areas around each campus.